Layered Urban Skyline Appetizer (Print Version)

Crisp crackers stacked with cheddar, gouda, salami, and prosciutto create a dramatic, shareable urban skyline.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crackers

01 - 18 rectangular whole grain crackers

→ Cheeses

02 - 5.3 oz sharp cheddar, cut into 0.8 inch cubes
03 - 5.3 oz gouda, cut into 0.8 inch cubes

→ Meats

04 - 3.5 oz salami slices
05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto slices

→ Garnishes

06 - 12 fresh chives, cut to various lengths
07 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place the whole grain crackers vertically on a large rectangular serving platter, spacing them unevenly to resemble a city skyline.
02 - Layer the cheddar and gouda cubes atop the crackers at varying heights, alternating between the two varieties to create color contrast.
03 - Fold salami and prosciutto slices into loose ribbons or rosettes, then tuck them between and on top of the cheese stacks to enhance the skyline effect.
04 - Stand fresh chives upright amid the stacks to emulate antennae and spires.
05 - Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the arrangement to add bright color accents, if desired.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to pull apart sections for easy sharing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's pure theater on a plate—guests genuinely gasp when they see it, which makes you look like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen
  • Zero cooking required means you can focus on the artistry and actually enjoy your own party instead of being stuck at the stove
  • The beauty is that it tastes as good as it looks, with those salty, savory layers of cheese and cured meats hitting all the right notes
02 -
  • Don't prep this more than 30 minutes ahead. The crackers stay crispest when they're assembled close to serving, and the chives will wilt slightly if they sit too long
  • The uneven spacing and stacking isn't sloppy—it's intentional. Real skylines are chaotic, asymmetrical, full of varied heights. Lean into that rather than trying to make it perfectly geometric, which actually looks less impressive
03 -
  • Buy whole grain crackers that are truly rectangular and sturdy enough to hold weight—thin, delicate crackers will crumble under a stack of cheese
  • Let your cheeses sit out for about 10 minutes before cutting so they're easier to cube cleanly and the cubes won't shatter
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